Interview with Dr Vincenzo Grassia on clear aligner study

Anisha Hall Hoppe, Dental Tribune International

Mon. 15. July 2024

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Aligner orthodontics is one of the fastest-growing areas of cosmetic dental treatment. To broadly assess patient satisfaction with aligner therapy, a team of researchers in Italy utilised the capabilities of social media to evaluate how patients rated their experience with the treatment. Dental Tribune International spoke with lead author Dr Vincenzo Grassia of the University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli in Naples about the study’s unique approach to data collection.

Dr Grassia, what inspired this study and the rather novel idea of using social media to evaluate patient satisfaction?
We were inspired by the growing influence of social media in everyday life, including healthcare. Platforms like Instagram provide a unique window into patients’ experiences and sentiments in real time. By analysing these posts, we aimed to gain insights into patient perspectives on clear aligner therapy that are often unfiltered and immediate, offering valuable feedback for both clinicians and manufacturers.

The study found that 54.8% of the 1,503 social media posts during aligner therapy were negative, primarily owing to pain. What specific strategies do you recommend for orthodontists to mitigate these negative experiences during treatment?
Pain and discomfort are common issues with any orthodontic treatment. We recommend that orthodontists provide thorough pretreatment counselling to set realistic expectations about potential discomfort. Additionally, offering tips for pain management, such as using orthodontic wax or over-the-counter pain relievers, can help. Regular follow-ups and open lines of communication can also ensure that any issues are promptly addressed.

Given that some patients expressed dissatisfaction with the aesthetic appearance of attachments, have you identified any innovative solutions or modifications that could improve the visual appeal of aligner therapy?
One promising area is the development of less noticeable attachments and aligners made from materials that better match the natural colour of teeth. Advances in 3D printing and materials science may soon allow for even more discreet aligners. Patient education on the importance and benefits of attachments can also help mitigate dissatisfaction by emphasising their role in achieving the best possible treatment outcomes.

The research highlights high expectations among patients before starting aligner therapy. How can orthodontists better manage these expectations to align with realistic outcomes and potentially reduce negative sentiments during and after treatment?
Managing expectations is crucial. Orthodontists should provide comprehensive consultations that cover both the benefits and the limitations of aligner therapy. Showing before-and-after photos of previous cases, explaining the potential challenges and discussing the duration of treatment and the commitment required can help align patient expectations with reality. Ensuring that patients understand the treatment process can significantly reduce dissatisfaction.

Although social media provides a wealth of qualitative data, it also has limitations such as selection bias and recall bias. How do you think future studies could address these limitations to ensure more accurate and representative findings?
Future studies could combine social media analysis with traditional research methods, such as surveys and clinical trials, to validate findings. Utilising multiple social media platforms can also provide a broader perspective. Additionally, advanced data analysis techniques, including machine learning, can help identify and correct biases, making the results more robust and representative.

Is there anything else you would like our readers to know about this or any other related research you may be working on?
We are continually exploring how digital tools and platforms can enhance patient care in orthodontics. Our future research will delve deeper into patient experiences and the efficacy of new technologies in orthodontic treatment. We believe that, by listening to and understanding patient feedback, we can improve treatment outcomes and patient satisfaction.

Editorial note:

The study, titled “Instagram and clear aligner therapy: A content analysis of patient perspectives” , was published online on 20 May 2024 in Seminars in Orthodontics, ahead of inclusion in an issue.